Behind the Red: A Candid Chat About Rosacea
Collagen powder, gentle DIY facewash recipe, & products to try
Quick Introductions:
is a skincare-obsessed mom with a flair for turning science into glowing skin. With a background in aesthetics, medicine, and microbiology, and her own teenage acne battles, she's on a mission to help parents and their teens conquer skincare challenges. Through her newsletter, Simple Radiant Skin, Tanya dishes out expert tips and tricks for achieving that clear, healthy glow—without the hefty dermatologist bills. is a stress management coach. Through her newsletter, Concious Connected Living, she shares information, insights, and personal stories to help people manage their stress, specifically parents and caregivers in extreme situations. Dawn-Renée also writes Frustrated, Frazzled, and Fed-up: One Mom's Journey from Chaos to Calm.Now for the fun part.
The Q & A’s:
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your battle with rosacea?
Dawn-Renée: I've always battled major acne breakouts since my early 20s. I'm now 48 and it hasn't stopped. They would happen mostly around my cycle until about three years ago.
I noticed my skin getting redder, constant breakouts that were extremely painful and demoralizing whether it was my cycle or not. Honestly, I don't even remember if I had a skincare routine then. I'd wash off my makeup but nothing else.
So, I started researching what to do and tried so many different products, to no avail.
Finally, I asked my dermatologist for help. I actually didn't have to say anything. She walked in the room, saw my face without makeup, and said, “Oh, you have mild rosacea” and we discussed what it was and how to treat it.
Tanya: I don’t suffer from rosacea, but I still get breakouts around my monthly cycle, so I can definitely sympathize with you there.
But rosacea is very common, my brother has it.
His is controlled best by diet, but he’s a dinosaur man so face creams aren’t his thing. When he has a flare-up, he finds relief from a mild moisturizer. He uses Curél Ultra Healing lotion for “everything” he says, even for shaving. “It works well and doesn’t leave my face oily.”
Dawn-Renée: I agree that diet is a big factor in what happens with our skin. I found that celery juice is really helpful for inflammation and helps reduce the redness. But I hate the taste! And I'm definitely going to check out what your brother uses.
Q: Can you describe your process for making your gentle facial wash with Castile soap and aloe vera gel?
What specific benefits have you noticed from using this DIY product?
Dawn-Renée: I started making my own facial cleanser (my dermatologist approved) with castile soap and aloe vera gel after researching what ingredients are rosacea triggers, like citric acid. It's in everything! Even some castile soap has it, so I read labels carefully.
My budget was another reason for making my own cleanser. I couldn't justify $30-50 per product. I bought castile soap and aloe vera gel in bulk to save money. Then I bought a refillable foaming soap dispenser. I fill it ⅓ water, ⅓ soap, and ⅓ aloe vera gel. I guessed at the amounts. (Lol)
Since switching to a mild, gentle soap with the added benefit of aloe vera gel, my skin is less prone to breakouts, less red, is softer and brighter. And once or twice a week, I use a battery-operated face scrubber in the shower with the soap to gently exfoliate.
Tanya: That’s great. So for our readers who suffer from rosacea, you have found it possible to exfoliate with the electric brush 1-2x per week? I am a big fan of electric cleansers. I have one that I also use in the shower 1-2X per week. I don’t use it more often than that because of all my sun exposure. The sun is literally unavoidable here in Puerto Rico.
Dawn-Renée: Yes, with my dermatologist’s approval I use the exfoliator. But only when I'm not having a breakout. Otherwise no. Thankfully, my rosacea is mild. So, someone else with more extreme rosacea might not be advised to do that. It's always a good idea to check with their dermatologist.
Q: How has using CeraVe moisturizer helped your skin, and what do you think sets it apart from other moisturizers?
Dawn-Renée:If I could make my own moisturizer I would! I'm sure it's possible but it's more than I'm willing to do. Again, my budget was the issue. My dermatologist recommended a product I couldn't afford and said Cereve is the next best thing.
I buy the twin pack Daily AM with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and the PM moisturizer. Both have hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. For years, I had hyperpigmentation on my lower cheeks and neckline. Now, it's practically gone.
And as someone with ADHD, having a simple routine is the best for me.
Tanya: More proof of the magic of superstar ingredients! Hyperpigmentation is very hard to get rid of so when you find products or a combination of ingredients as you have that fade them, you’re smart to keep them in your arsenal.
Q: You mentioned using collagen protein powder in your daily diet. How do you think this has impacted your skin’s appearance and overall health?
Dawn-Renée: Since I first mentioned that to you, I've added Bone Broth protein powder to my diet. I found a chocolate flavor that I love adding to my morning coffee!
I'm a huge proponent of eating nutritionally for better health. It's something that's helped me look and feel good for years, and get me through some of the most stressful events in my life. You have one body for life. And I'm not getting any younger! So, eating to live and live well is my motto.
I discovered collagen and bone broth in my research about rosacea and needing to find a different protein powder that didn't have trigger ingredients.
It's an added bonus that it helps hair, skin, and nails, plus gut health. Because acne is a symptom of a deeper issue within, like an imbalanced gut, for example.
Tanya: Yes. I love your attitude and motto! I share very similar ideas about diet and it’s refreshing to hear how it helps others. Acne isn’t skin deep as you mentioned. It is an inflammatory reaction and the food we eat plays a significant role.
Q: What products or ingredients do you avoid due to rosacea triggers?
Dawn-Renée: Sadly, I've had to reduce chocolate, of all things! Ironic, considering I can handle chocolate-flavored protein powder. It's when I indulge in Reese's cups (my favorites) or similar products I have a big breakout.
Citric acid, like I mentioned before, vinegar-based products, toner (skin care products), those are the main triggers for me.
Tanya: Reese’s cups are also my favorite! And do you know you can’t find the Reese’s pieces here in Puerto Rico! It’s the darndest thing.
That is good to consider. Citric acids like vitamin C serums are very popular. But they can be an irritant to rosacea-prone skin.
Q: How do you adjust your skincare routine during rosacea flare-ups or times of stress? Any specific changes you make to ensure your skin stays calm?
Dawn-Renée: I avoid the above-mentioned ingredients and products during flare-ups, and I don't use the face scrubber. I continue to wash my face and gently pat dry, and if it's a painful acne flare-up, I take ibuprofen for the inflammation and pain.
Tanya: It’s so important to pat and not rub inflamed skin. I break out every cycle because, well, you can’t have my chocolate! Ha, but I stay away from milk and drink lots of water and this helps keep the new acne lesions to a minimum.
I’ve learned so much about rosacea and I think our readers will too. In closing, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dawn-Renée for sharing her personal experiences and insights on rosacea. Her candidness helped shed light on the struggles many face, and I’m grateful for the time she took to help us better understand this common yet often misunderstood skin condition.
What a blessing it has been to get to know you and learn more about your skincare routine.
Dawn-Renée: Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my experience and what's worked for me. I truly hope it helps someone else who has stressed about their skin and acne or rosacea.
Until next time, stay radiant and keep connected!
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Enjoyed the interview and glad to share my experience with rosacea if it helps others!